Shivapuri Hill Day Hike: A Must-Do for Any Nature Lover

Shivapuri Hill Day Hike: A Must-Do for Any Nature Lover

Shivapuri Hill is a popular day hike destination near Kathmandu, Nepal. The hike is relatively easy, making it a good option for hikers of all fitness levels. The trail offers stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley, the Langtang mountain range, and Mount Manaslu.

Why hike Shivapuri Hill?

There are many reasons why hiking Shivapuri Hill is a must-do for any nature lover. Here are a few:

• The scenery is simply breathtaking. From the lush green forests to the snow-capped mountains, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
• The wildlife is diverse. You may spot monkeys, deer, and even birds of prey on your hike.
• The trail is well-maintained. It is easy to follow and there are no major obstacles.
• The hike is relatively short. You can complete the hike in 6-7 hours, making it a great day trip from Kathmandu.

Tips for hiking Shivapuri Hill

Here are a few tips for hiking Shivapuri Hill:

• Start early in the morning. This will help you avoid the heat of the day.
• Bring plenty of food and water. There are no teahouses on the trail, so you will need to pack your own lunch and snacks.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. The trail is mostly dirt and rocks, so you will need sturdy shoes.
• Apply sunscreen and insect repellent. The sun can be strong at high altitudes, so it is important to protect yourself from the sun and insects.
• Be aware of the potential for altitude sickness. If you are coming from a lower elevation, it is important to acclimatize to the altitude before hiking Shivapuri Hill.

What to expect on the hike

The Shivapuri Hill day hike begins at the Budhanilkantha temple, a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The trail then enters Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, a protected area that is home to a variety of flora and fauna.

The trail initially climbs through a forest of pine and oak trees. After about an hour, you will reach Nagi Gompa, a Buddhist monastery for nuns. From here, the trail continues to climb through the forest, becoming steeper as you get closer to the summit.

After about two hours of hiking, you will reach the top of Shivapuri Hill. The summit offers stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley, the Langtang mountain range, and Mount Manaslu. You can also see the Bagmati River winding its way through the valley below.

After enjoying the views, you can begin your descent back to Budhanilkantha. The descent is mostly downhill, but there are a few sections of uphill walking. The hike down takes about 1.5-2 hours.

Shivapuri Day Hike Itinerary

8:00 AM: Pick up from your hotel in Kathmandu and drive to Budhanilkantha (approximately 1 hour).

9:00 AM: Arrive at the Budhanilkantha temple and purchase your permit to enter Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. Begin your hike up to Nagi Gompa.

10:00 AM: Reach Nagi Gompa, a Buddhist monastery for nuns. Take a break to explore the monastery and enjoy the views.

12:00 PM: Continue your hike to Bagdwar, the source of the Bagmati River. Stop for lunch and relax by the waterfall.

1:30 PM: Summit Shivapuri Hill (2732 meters/8963 feet). Enjoy the panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley, the Langtang mountain range, and Mount Manaslu.

2:00 PM: Begin your descent back to Budhanilkantha.

4:00 PM: Arrive in Budhanilkantha and drive back to Kathmandu (approximately 1 hour).

Note: The scheduled time is approximate and can be customized to fit your interests and fitness level.

Conclusion

The Shivapuri Hill day hike is a must-do for any nature lover visiting Kathmandu. The hike is relatively easy and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Be sure to start early in the morning and bring plenty of food and water.